Nailing vs. Screwing - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

SteelCity · 05-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Looking for some input on Nailing vs. Screwing down your floors and subfloors.

I know nailing has typically been the conventional way, but don't nails withdrawl, leading to creeky floors and expensive call backs??

Considering the advancements in autofeed screw systems, what advantages do you all feel that nailing still has over screwing?? ..or vice-versa

(I know that code in Canada dictates that all subfloors have to be screwed down, so I guess I would expect the answers from U.S. and Canadian posters to vary)

reveivl · 05-12-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelCity

Looking for some input on Nailing vs. Screwing down your floors and subfloors.

I know nailing has typically been the conventional way, but don't nails withdrawl, leading to creeky floors and expensive call backs??

Considering the advancements in autofeed screw systems, what advantages do you all feel that nailing still has over screwing?? ..or vice-versa

(I know that code in Canada dictates that all subfloors have to be screwed down, so I guess I would expect the answers from U.S. and Canadian posters to vary)

I don't think I've ever screwed down a sub floor. Nails and glue. Advantage? Speed, nothings going anywhere once the glue cures.

SteelCity · 05-12-2008, 11:49 AM

The only disadvantage I could see to using adhesives is the variability in curing time. Somtimes construction traffic can weaken the bond if it isn't 100% cured

and in regards to the Speed end of things... that's why I brought autofeed screw guns into the picture

Thanks for your input!

Bill · 05-12-2008, 01:29 PM

I prefer to glue and screw down subfloors especially on high end jobs. Guarenteed no call backs. Worth it to me

bjg5240 · 05-12-2008, 04:21 PM

I glue & screw everything. I think nailing along with adhesive would be fine too, but I prefer screws. The squeaking floors of homes built in the past is due to the lack of adhesive use!

GoodHouse · 05-12-2008, 07:54 PM

Screw all the way, I dont bother with glue much, just over-screw.

j_builder · 05-12-2008, 09:55 PM

Really I think both work in most applications, but it just depends on the situation or job site spec's per plans (architect/engineer requirements).

Nailing with 6/8d's ring shanks (makes quick work) along with some heavy duty adhesive shot down at 6-12 in most cases will make for a really tight fitting sub floor.

Screws have more tendency to bend/break off at the head or what I really like is when my Dewalt screw gun finds one of my fingers without even aiming= SCHITTTT!

Jerry
JLP Construction

XanadooLTD · 05-12-2008, 10:21 PM

You are right. Even ring shank nails will squeak over time. If you want to do the job right and forget about it after it is done. Glue and screw. You do this and you wont have to worri about it down the road.

Handyman Jim · 05-13-2008, 12:24 AM

Screws hold stonger than nails .I always use screws.

http://www.handymanjimnoonan.com

SteelCity · 05-13-2008, 08:25 AM

Good information fellas!

To anyone using autofeed screw guns... Which brand are you using, and please tell of ANY issues you've had with it

Floordude · 05-13-2008, 03:52 PM

Glue and screw. Wood squeaing on the nail shaft!!!!! Pulled up tons of carpet to fix these, and totally screw down the decking, and pull nails.

I use a Senco battery powered auto feed. The batteries don't seem to hold a charge for very long. I got one battery that is a total waste of space in the case. I wish it had a cord and plug!!!!!

Bill · 05-13-2008, 05:14 PM

Makita with the extension pole so I dont have to bend over
No problems
Just try not to be cheap

and try using the same bit for the whole job (Not mentioning any names)

kevjob · 05-13-2008, 05:36 PM

screws all the way for sub floor, underlayment etc..

XanadooLTD · 05-13-2008, 06:06 PM

18v Senco Duraspin. Works with wood screws, drywall screws. Auto depth also. Can't go wrong with it. I havent had any problems with the battery on this one.

JCY · 05-20-2008, 09:32 PM

This is a very good discussion. I sure learned more now. Thanks guys

jumbocactar · 06-17-2008, 08:13 PM

we use the senco and it works good, i think batterys are a bad idea for anything that you do a lot of ie, deck screwing and floor screwing because you eat batteries, anyone here had any call backs w/ ballistic screws? (they are #2square drive screws that fit in a standard framing gun) ive used them plenty and they are much faster but i havent been around to see how well they actually hold up vs ring shanks or real screws?

rusty baker · 06-17-2008, 10:19 PM

If you are putting down underlayment for vinyl, don't use drywall screws. They can rust from the adhesive moisture and bleed thru. Most pros staple.

reveivl · 06-17-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty baker

If you are putting down underlayment for vinyl, don't use drywall screws. They can rust from the adhesive moisture and bleed thru. Most pros staple.

Drywall screws are for: you guessed it----DRYWALL, duh.

rusty baker · 06-18-2008, 08:00 AM

I have seen a lot of builders use drywall screws, I guess because they already have them.

ridewags · 06-25-2008, 03:14 PM

in my experience laying floors... especially on older homes... I find myself having to add a bunch of screws all over to secure the sub floor a bit better in some areas cause the nails are starting to come up... And I dont want to have to deal with a callback cause the floor I just installed is squeeky... so for the sake of the guy doin the finished floor, use screws